235. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to ensuring the EV scrappage scheme is accessible to disability allowance recipients and low-income households; the ways coordination with other disability supports is being factored in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52329/26]

The ICE2EV Pilot Scheme, which launched on July 1st, has committed the available €17M in funding, comprising of €10M for the scrappage grant and €7M for the EV purchase grant. Approximately 2,000 successful applications were processed within 75 minutes of the scheme opening, supporting the replacement of around 2,000 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles.

The ICE2EV scheme was designed as a demand-led and capped pilot, intending to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles, particularly among households that will face financial barriers to switching to EVs.

Approximately €170m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of specially constructed or adapted vehicles by drivers and passengers with a disability. Those eligible for this scheme are also eligible for the SEAI EV purchase grant and the scrappage scheme, where they meet the qualifying criteria.

Ireland maintains a generous range of incentives to support drivers’ transition to electric including home and apartment charger grants, benefit-in-kind tax reliefs for BEVs, VRT relief up to €5,000 for BEVs, and a low rate of annual motor tax. EV incentives are kept under regular review.

Also of significance in this regard are the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure, which support the roll out of universally accessible charging infrastructure across Ireland. These Guidelines, published in May 2024, provide clear direction to those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation, and operation of EV charging infrastructure. They present recommendations for the design of the charging station and the accessibility of the site for all users.